Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is a public university located in Education City in Doha, Qatar.

In 2010, nestled within Doha's Education City, a young sapling emerged – Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). Born from the vision of Qatar Foundation, it sprouted from the fertile ground of unlocking human potential and nurturing knowledge-based growth. Named after Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the then Emir of Qatar, its roots were intertwined with ambition and a desire to contribute to the world stage.

Initially, HBKU offered only graduate programs, carefully tending to postgraduate minds with specialized areas like Islamic art, environmental science, and economics. It fostered collaboration with established institutions like Georgetown University and Carnegie Mellon, nurturing cross-pollination of ideas and cutting-edge research. By 2014, the first undergraduate students arrived, bringing youthful energy and diverse perspectives to the growing campus.

Over the past decade, HBKU has blossomed. New colleges like Islamic Studies and Humanities & Social Sciences joined the fold, offering innovative interdisciplinary programs and enriching the academic landscape. Research centers sprouted, focusing on cybersecurity, translation, and sustainability, positioning HBKU as a regional hub for groundbreaking solutions. International partnerships flourished, bridging cultural divides and opening doors to global opportunities for students and faculty alike.

Today, HBKU stands tall, a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse threads. From its young roots, it has grown into a beacon of academic excellence, research impact, and cultural understanding. As it enters its second decade, its branches reach towards the future, promising to continue shaping minds, driving innovation, and leaving its mark on the world.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, Hamad Bin Khalifa University is positioned as the #244 top university in the world, which makes it the #2 top university in Qatar. The university's global rank decreased by 61 points from last year.